Press room

Petplan Equine, the UK's leading equine insurance specialist, is pleased to once again announce its support of the 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics' in 2012. The clinics give riders all over England the opportunity to be trained and receive advice of the former World and European champion, Olympic silver medallist and six times Badminton winner.

Lucinda Green MBE is the only rider to have won Badminton Horse Trials six times on six different horses and is now one of the world's leading trainers. Renowned for her cross country riding she is passionate about helping riders understand the way that horses think and react while tackling the challenge of the cross country course. In her 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics' Lucinda provides expert advice on riding across country, sharing techniques and skills that have made her one of the most successful riders in the history of the sport.

"The important message that I try to impart in these clinics is that cross country riding isn't about sitting on a horse, going flat out," explained Lucinda. "There is a science to it, and as a rider your job is to do three things - keep the horses' engine going, keep a good line into a fence and keep both your and your horse's balance. A horse that thinks for himself and, in equal measure, listens to his rider is going to be a safe cross country horse."

Dates and venues have been announced for the 2012 series of clinics which are taking place at 13 venues across the country between 29th February and 5th September 2012. In order to reduce fuel and stabling costs for participants three of the two-day clinics have been condensed into one day sessions with a lesson on technique taking place in an arena or field in the morning followed by training over a cross country course in the afternoon.

The clinics can be tailored to suit riders of all standards, from those preparing for their first event to those aiming for Badminton. To start, horse and rider should be confident jumping a course of at least 2'6" - 2'9" fences.

Petplan Equine offers a range of flexible policies for both horse and rider and its support for the clinics is part of its commitment to the equestrian community and a desire to help riders of all levels enjoy their sport as safely as possible.

"Eventing is one of the toughest challenges for horse and rider and with the cross country element playing such a vital part it is important that riders are as prepared as possible," said Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Petplan Equine's Head of Marketing. "Lucinda Green is not only one of the world's finest cross country riders but is also an expert in helping riders to enjoy the thrill of cross country riding as safely as possible. We are delighted to continue our support of these clinics as they provide an invaluable opportunity to learn both skill and safety from one of the world's best riders and trainers."

Riders wanting further information on the 'Petplan Equine Lucinda Green XC the Safe Way Clinics' should visit www.petplanequine.co.uk/events/. To apply for a place, fill in the form on the website and send it to the address on the form.

Two-Day XC Technique & XC Clinics
Date	County	Venue
February 29th & March 1st	Nottinghamshire	Arena UK and Newton
March 8th & 9th	Surrey	LEMQ Reigate
March 20th & 21st	Cheshire	Kelsall Hill

One-Day XC Clinics
Date	County	Venue
February 28th	Buckinghamshire	Milton Keynes
April 12th	Wiltshire	Downlands

New Condensed 2 in 1 day XC Clinics
Date	County	Venue
March 2nd	Yorkshire	Thirsk
March 12th	Somerset	Stockland Lovell
March 13th	Oxfordshire	Lyneham

XC Course Walks
Date	County	Venue
May 5th	Gloucestershire	Badminton
August 31st	Lincolnshire	Burghley

*Please contact these venues directly for further information or to apply:

Clinics organised directly by venue´s
Date	County	Venue
April 5th	Norfolk	Norwich
May 9th	Herefordshire	Ledbury
May 14th	Field Farm Loughborough	Leicestershire
May 15th	Cambridge	Ely
May 23rd	Kent	Chilham Castle, Canterbury
September 5th	Herefordshire	Ledbury

For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

The Petplan Equine Area festivals, or 'The Petplans' as they are known among competitors and fans of dressage, is a series of 17 dressage competitions that runs from 17th August to 29th October. Held at top competition venues across the UK these events give riders the chance to compete in top class arenas and experience true championship conditions.

Isabella Von Mesterhazy, Petplan Equine's Head of Marketing said: "This is the 13th year in which Petplan Equine has supported this series and it has certainly been lucky for these accomplished amateur dressage riders! Dressage is UK's fastest growing equestrian discipline and this trend is likely to continue thanks to the outstanding efforts by members of British Dressage riders in Greenwich who claimed team and individual gold and individual bronze medals. We wish all those who have qualified here at West Wilts the very best of luck in the Petplan Equine Area festivals Championship next April."

The growth of series such as the Area festivals relies upon the financial and promotional input of its sponsors. British Dressage's Chief Executive Amanda Bond explains: "Since its inception, this Petplan Equine sponsorship has helped the British Dressage Area festivals which now attract around 2,500 competitors, go from strength to strength. The Area festivals give grass roots competitors the chance to compete on the 'big stage' and we are seeing the standard improve year on year - could we be hosting a future Olympic Medallist at this year's Festivals?"

Further information about the Area festivals is available from the Petplan Equine website at www.petplanequine.co.uk/events.

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For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Name	Telephone	Email
Charlotte Collyer	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988.
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK.
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover.
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK.
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK.
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust.
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge.
• Petplan Equine is the only insurer to offer illness and accident cover for older horses, up to the age of 25 as long as the policy is taken before your horse reaches the age of 20.